The 2nd Annual Sustainable Fashion Forum
At EcoVibe Apparel, we believe in carrying out our business practices in the most ethical and sustainable ways possible. We know that the fashion industry has severely dangerous effects on the environment, so our goal is to combat that in whatever ways we can.
In order for sustainability to become a standard for the fashion industry instead of an aspiration, one of the most important things we can do is incite conversation. Share ideas with consumers, manufacturers and fellow retailers to ask ourselves what steps we can collectively take to move towards ethical and sustainable production.
For this reason, we were incredibly honored by our invitation to participate in the second annual Sustainable Fashion Forum, hosted by Laptops & Smalltalk during Design Week Portland.
The event aims to connect the fashion industry's professionals and insiders with it's community to spark an intimate and informative conversation on ethical and sustainable fashion. The all-day event was held in a lofty, sunlit art space, Yale Union in Southeast Portland and included 2 keynote speakers, 2 panel discussions, a pop-up market and fashion show featuring local and sustainable designers.
Kelly Raynor, environmental consultant of Modified Style Portland kicked-off the day as keynote speaker. Kelly addressed the harmful effects that garment production can have on people and the environment, and inspired the crowd to re-use, borrow, and give back to environmental nonprofits. You can check out the slide show from her presentation here.
Andrea Plell, communications director of Fashion Revolution then led the panel on "The Eco Closet" in which sustainable and ethical fashion bloggers Ellie Hughes, Chloé Lepeltier, Andrea Hartman and Allison Karaba shared insights on ways to become a more conscious consumer.
A beautiful lunch table by Portland chef Tara Thomas of Her Garden Kitchen featured a menu of organic, vegan, soy-free and gluten-free delights. Keeping with the theme of sustainability as a lifestyle, Tara's meals emphasize locally sourced ingredients and compostable dinnerware.
Following the VIP lunch, EcoVibe Apparel's very own Len & Dre Allen spoke on the industry expert "Conscious Production" panel moderated by Whitney Bauck, assistant editor of Fashionista. This panel discussion focused on sustainable manufacturing practices and ways that the designers, makers and retailers on the panel are all striving to "walk the talk" when it comes to creating and selling beautiful and sustainable apparel.
In addition to our founders Len & Dre, guest speakers on this panel included Angela Medlin of FAAS and Pensole, Davora Lindner of Prairie Underground, and Carly Mick of Keen Footwear.
The event culminated with a stunning fashion show featuring local, sustainable designers and showcasing the relevancy and creativity that the Portland sustainable fashion scene brings to the greater fashion community.
Two of our looks were featured in the show, modeled by Amber Nicotra and Ariel Suzanne and styled by EcoVibe Apparel's lead stylist and PFI design student, Bethany Gross.
A pop-up shop open to the public showcased local, independent retailers and designers including EcoVibe Apparel, VaVa Lingerie, Seven Sisters, Altar, West Daily, and many more!
We loved being part of an event that educates and inspires others to create change within the fashion community for a more sustainable future. Learn more about the event here, and check out their instagram @thesustainablefashionforum to follow photos from the day!
Photography Credit: Nic Raingsey Photography